Edwin Banks of Stretford. 1992.

A celebratory ode for the bi—centenary of Failsworth’s symbol of civic unity.

When Oldham Road swings round to reach Owdham Town,

Some three or four miles from Manchester City,

You’ll find near the great church — s’easy to hunt down,

FAILSWORTH POLE — a mere stub now, more’s the pity.

A replica of its once proud self, that’s true,

Which ne’er could. rival Paris’s tall “eyeful,”

BEN BRIERLEY brought mirth comparing the two,

But Failsworth’s symbol is too good to stifle.

Ben’s “Home Memories" recalled the coronation

Of Willie the Fourth — pole repainted, many

Were the flags, and bands for the royal celebration,

Weavers wettin’ their whistles with “fourpenny.”

Stew from a roasted ox was being doled. out,

Ben had his jug to carry HIS “beef juice” in,

“Nawe, thou rnun ha’ noaneV’ the beefy dame did shout,

Nor did he — “thy gronfeyther’ a a Jacobin"

The pole’s not danced. round., contrary to belief,

An oak tree was used for the Maypole dancin’,

Pole’s purpose was “pole—itical” — to be brief:

A totem pole to impress Jacobin’s glancin’.

Tom Paine, just then busy with his “Rights of Man,”

 Thought it ~‘poles apart” from honest reformers,

“Those ‘pole—ites’ are up the pole!” his speech began,

But a gale downed. the pole with a gust enormous.

The pole, though pruned as we reach the time present,

Has its bi—centenary year soon, I’m told,

Number five pole’s symbolism’s grown more pleasant With its natives proud of it still, as of old.

With plaque and plinthed pole the town will celebrate,

Its living survival through each changing year,

In friendly assertiveness the town can state:

With pole, grit, and native wit, what need we fear.

EB.